Katie Zolnikov Becomes First Female Montana House Speaker

Montana House Republicans elected Katie Zolnikov as Speaker of the House on November 11, 2026, making her the first woman to hold the position in state history and the youngest woman to serve as a state House speaker in the United States. The 29-year-old from Billings defeated incumbent Speaker Brandon Ler in a secret ballot. Zolnikov stated that the appointment showed one can rise to the top by merit and work ethic without being part of a "good old boys club."

In the Montana House, Republicans also elected Tom Millett as majority leader and Mike Vinton as speaker pro tem. In the Senate, Republicans renominated Matt Regier as Senate President. Regier expressed hope that the upcoming session would focus on policy rather than "antics."

House Democrats elected SJ Howell as minority leader, making Howell the first transgender and nonbinary person to lead a party caucus in any state legislative chamber in the U.S. Representative Zooey Zephyr was elected as one of three minority whips, becoming the first transgender woman to hold a party whip role in any state legislative chamber. Both Howell and Senate Minority Leader Laura Smith identified affordability as their primary legislative priority.

Republicans maintain control of both chambers for the 2027 session, though Democrats gained two seats in each house. The leadership roles will be formally confirmed when the legislature convenes on January 4, 2027.